Rock-Steady Night Vision

Like its predecessors, the FLIR M618CS night-vision scope’s ability to create thermal images by discerning miniscule changes in the temperature is quite astounding. But what makes the M618CS—also marketed by Raymarine as the T473SC—an especially big hit with big-budget sailors is its dual-axis gyro-stabilization, which cancels out the pitch and roll of a sailboat.

The unit is operated using a joystick and handles like a conventional spotlight. A 2x and 4x zoom allows you to go in for a closer look or back out for a broader perspective on a situation. A color television camera with a 10x optical zoom is built into the package as well. The unit measures 7in x 11.4in and weighs 11.5 pounds.